May 16, 1862 (Friday): Lincoln Summons McDowell

General Herman Haupt

WASHINGTON, May 16, 1862-11.40 a. m.

General MCDOWELL:
    The President desires you to make a short visit here for conference, if you can come.

          EDWIN M. STANTON,
          Secretary of War.

FREDERICKSBURG, May 16, 1862-2.43 p. m.

          Honorable E. ML. STANTON:
               Your telegram just received. I leave at once for Washington and will be there late this evening.

IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Major-General.

POTOMAC CREEK, May 16, 1862.

Major-General MCDOWELL:
    Conductor reports that Captain Harrison, of the Ninety-fifth New York, in charge of party loading dirt for siding 1 mile south of Aquia Creek Station, having retired a few steps into the woods this morning, was fired at by a supposed rebel, the ball passing through his cap and grazing his head. He fired five barrels of his revolver at the assassin, then sent a squad in pursuit without success. Guerrillas are forming in various parts of the country, provoked by rapes and other crimes committed by Union men. Cases have occurred in this vicinity recently of an aggravated character. You will require efficient protection in the rear. When I see you I can give further particulars.

H. HAUPT,
Colonel, &c.

         HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK,

Opposite Fredericksburg, Va., May 16, 1862.
    Hereafter no trains, either brigade or supply, will be sent for supplies unless accompanied by a commissioned officer and 3 mounted men, whose duty it shall be to prevent any teamsters from entering houses on the route or from committing irregularities of any kind.
    The officer who dispatches the train will be held responsible for the strict execution of this order.
    By command of Major-General McDowell:

            SAML. BRECK,
            Assistant Adjutant-General.

            Official Records, Series I., Vol. 12, Part 3, Page 197.

           

McDowell was summoned by the President to discuss the defense of Washington. He would be instructed to ensure Washington was covered, but to move forward toward Richmond. Lincoln would instruct McDowell to obey McClellan's orders, but not if he believed they jeopardized the defense of the Capital. Haupt was the outstanding engineer who built many bridges vital to the Union Army in the East during the war. Here he reports on irregular forces who attempted to avenge rapes by Union teamsters, and advises McDowell of the dangers he will face passing through Northern Virginia on the way to meet the President.